When the Missouri football players take on Arkansas State in this season’s opener, they will sport a new style that has been in the works for over a year.
“A little over a year ago, we decided it was time for a new look,” said Director of Equipment Operations Don Barnes.
The Tigers will wear new uniforms designed by Nike, which the University has had a contract with for six years. The MU athletic department gave the designers a few guidelines but, for the most part, also gave them the freedom to experiment.
“We gave Nike an open window and said we were willing to look at different options,” Barnes said.
Nike created six different uniform designs and presented them to the MU athletic department. Barnes said that Nike and MU picked the same design as their top choice.
Barnes said that the main difference between the new uniforms and the old ones is weight. The new uniforms are 11/2 pounds lighter, allowing quicker movement by players. The uniforms are made from Cordura nylon, which is strong and durable, but lightweight.
“The materials are the most cutting-edge technology in the industry,” Barnes said.
Improved moisturemanagement is another feature of the new uniforms. The new material wicks sweat away from the body and keeps the players more dry.
“Every aspect of this uniform is designed to increase performance,” Barnes said.
As far as the colors go, the new uniforms have much more gold than previous styles. Instead of outlining only the letters in gold, there is a gold striping pattern on the entire side of the new uniform.
“The numbers seem to pop out a lot more than they have in the past,” Barnes said.
Justine Rogers, a clerk at the Tiger Team Store at Faurot Field, said that the replicas were available on Monday, but few have been sold so far.
“Honestly, I don’t think the word has gotten out that they’re available yet,” she said.